How can we apply the principle of dedicating firstborns in our daily lives? The Original Command “You are to consecrate to the LORD your God every firstborn male of your herds and flocks. You are not to work the firstborn of your oxen, nor shear the firstborn of your sheep.” (Deuteronomy 15:19) Why the First Matters • The firstborn represented the whole. Giving the first declared that everything belonged to God (Exodus 13:2). • It was a concrete reminder of Israel’s deliverance—the spared firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 13:14-15). • The act required faith: surrendering the first before seeing what the rest of the flock would produce. Seeing the Pattern in the New Testament • Jesus is called “the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15) and “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18), fulfilling the pattern and securing redemption for all who follow Him. • Believers are now “a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:18), set apart to display His ownership. • Christ’s sacrifice sets the tone: we give God our first because He first gave His Son (John 3:16). Living the Principle Today The specific animal sacrifice is fulfilled in Christ, yet the heart of the command—putting God first—remains. We can dedicate our “firstborn” in several areas: • Time: offer the first moments of each day to Scripture and prayer (Psalm 5:3). • Income: honor the Lord with the first portion (Proverbs 3:9-10; 1 Corinthians 16:2). • Decisions: seek God’s counsel before making plans (Matthew 6:33). • Gifts and talents: use primary abilities for kingdom purposes, not merely personal gain (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Children: intentionally point them to Christ from infancy, recognizing they are His (1 Samuel 1:27-28; Luke 2:22). Practical Ideas • Set up an automatic tithe or offering that leaves the account before any other expense. • Begin each week by gathering with believers, symbolizing that the whole week belongs to God (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Schedule morning devotions before checking messages or social media. • Dedicate life milestones—birthdays, graduations, new jobs—by thanking God publicly and committing the next season to Him. • Teach children the practice of giving from their first allowance or paycheck. • When planning the family budget, allocate kingdom giving and missions support first, then build the rest of the plan. • Volunteer the first evening of a busy month to serve others, trusting God to structure the remaining calendar. Caution and Encouragement • The principle is about devotion, not legalism. It springs from gratitude for redemption, not a formula to earn favor (Romans 12:1). • Dedicating the first may feel costly, yet God’s promise stands: “Those who honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). • As we put Him first, we testify that everything—time, resources, relationships, and future—truly belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1). |
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